Every month, we share some of the highlights of what’s been happening in and around KBA. This month, we have three pieces of news to share and celebrate: a promotion, a house move, and a romantic Christmas engagement.
Beccy Brooks got promoted to Admin Manager
Beccy Brooks has been on the team for almost 16 years and has just been promoted from paraplanner to admin manager.
In her new role, Beccy will oversee the team of administrators and paraplanners, ensuring processes are being followed and enhancing them to improve the team productivity. She will also be responsible for any training requirements within the team, as well as making sure the client experience is of a high standard.
Beccy says: “I am excited to start working on the processes and improving the structure to ensure cases flow more smoothly and make the team a well-oiled machine! I’m also delighted to be working alongside the COO and Sarah to move the company forward.
“It means a lot, as I have been with KBA for 16 years this year and I have never really thought about going for a managerial position. So, to have been given the opportunity feels like a great achievement. The rest of the team also thought I was the perfect candidate, I’m not sure why?!”
Tom Kennedy moved into his new home in Nantwich
Tom and his partner, Maisie, moved house and celebrated Christmas in their new home.
Was the buying process easy, or were there anxiety-ridden delays?
I’m pleased to say it was pretty straightforward. It couldn’t have been much smoother and took only 12 weeks from start to finish.
The mortgage was done in-house at KBA, so everything was dealt with quickly and I kept on top of chasing my solicitors for updates. They were very good and managed to get us in before Christmas.
And how was move day?
Not as stressful as I thought it would be! I didn’t realise how long it would take to load up a one-bedroom flat into the van but taking the lift up and down from the 6th floor was more time consuming than I thought it would be.
After a bit of a teary goodbye (for Maisie) we set off to start our next chapter in Nantwich.
Do you plan to do any other work to your new house?
Every room needs re-painting, and this is one of our top priorities.
We also plan to rip out the gas fire in the front room and take the chimney breast back to brick. We want an exposed chimney breast and log burner fitting.
Maisie also wants wood panelling on the walls in the bedrooms and what will eventually become my office.
Eventually, the kitchen will be replaced. Maisie has a vision of crafting the new units and worktops out of 2nd hand / antique cupboards – it will be a mismatch of cupboards that should look quirky.
Probably the most boring job is on one of the original roof timbers from 1850, which needs replacing, but needs doing sooner rather than later.
What do you love most about waking up in your new home?
The sounds of the birds singing – I’m so used to living in the city centre of Manchester that I’m still not used to it. They sing so loudly! It is amazing to listen to.
Where do you end up spending most of your time?
The front room at the moment, mostly because it’s the only room with enough seating. Although, come summer, hopefully the garden!
Laura Jones got engaged on Christmas Day!
Pension and investment paraplanner, Laura Jones got engaged on Christmas Day.
She had no idea her partner was going to propose, and even the children were in on the secret. Here, Laura shares her happy story.
Who’s the lucky man and how did you meet?
The lucky man is David Hogan.
Our parents live on the same street but although we grew up living very close by to one another, we never really knew each other.
A few years on, we had both separated from our previous partners and a mutual friend suggested I should go out with David because I had been single for too long. He wasn’t aware of this and I didn’t agree to it because dating terrified me!
A few nights later, I bumped into David on a night out and we got chatting. We laughed about our friend trying to set us up, messaged each other, and continued chatting.
After about three months, we finally went out on a date! That was just over six years ago.
How did he pop the question?
David popped the question on Christmas Day.
The kids made me stand in the living room with my eyes closed. When I opened them, David was down on one knee with a ring!
Our favourite song was playing, Phoebe had hold of a big bunch of balloons, and Ashton had a big bouquet of flowers for me.
I said yes and we popped some bubbly to celebrate!
I wasn’t expecting it at all so I was in total shock for a while, but I was so, so happy he asked me to be his wife! I can’t stop looking at my ring, I love it!
When do you hope to tie the knot and what are you looking forward to the most?
We’re hoping to get married in 2023. I’m looking forward to moving into our new home this year and choosing my wedding dress for the big day!
